Are Hoka One Ones good for plantar fasciitis? The good news is that Hokas have been rated fairly positive for minimizing heel pain. Of course, running and plantar fasciitis probably shouldn’t mix, but the general consensus online is that the arch support, midsole and general stability that Hokas provide is more sufficient than some competing brand offerings.
And while Hokas haven’t been around as long as some of the mainstream names you know, they’ve gained a huge following of supporters in the running community. They’ve built quite an impressive brand.
What’s more, their shoes have been approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association. This means that several of their products have been reviewed by Podiatrists and have found them to be beneficial for foot health.
What Makes Hokas Great For Heel Pain?
In comparison to some of the mainstream names you already know, Hoka One One has gained a huge following of supporters in the running community. This group knows shoes like they know running injuries. And what better community of people to know about plantar fasciitis and other foot related issues?
As far as the shoes go, they are designed with an oversized outsole and extra cushioning. Many people with aching feet and heel spurs prefer a softer ride, and Hokas definitely deliver on that.
Hoka One One Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Bondi: According to Hoka One One, the Bondi is a Neutral shoe, and also the widest option in their lineup. They have a very modest 4mm heel-to-toe drop, which may not take as much pressure off your heels compared to Brooks, Asics or Saucony. However, the Bondi clearly has the most cushioning, while still retaining some of the stiffness to support your arches.
The Hoka Bondis may also be a good choice for those that work on their feet all day. There are tons of reviews online praising their comfort level – something you don’t find as much of with most other brands (and we’ve looked!). In fact, the Bondi is their most cushioned model.
Clifton: The Hoka Clifton model is also a Neutral she and has been reported to be beneficial for those with high arches, while also providing good cushioning. These are designed with a 5mm heel-to-toe drop, which is a little bit more lift than the Bondi.
One of the main differences between the two is the weight. The current Cliftons weigh almost 2 ounces less than the Bondis.
Hoka One One also offers a line of shoes for those that require even more stability. If that’s you, they recommend the Gaviota and Arahi, since their J-Frame construction may help correct pronation issues.
In the end it comes down to minor differences of choice.
So, are Hokas good for plantar fasciitis? The online reviews are definitely positive for helping relieve foot pain that may be exacerbated by other shoes. And as you can see from our reviews above, the arch support is sufficient and the base is stable. We like them enough to put them in our best running shoes for plantar fasciitis list.